Complete Guide for Travelers 路 Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in India. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $7 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$7
Providers
3
Network
Currency
INR
Airport arrivals at Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Process can take 30-60 minutes.
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in India. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jio Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $7USD 1.5 GB/day / 28 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreAirport |
Airtel | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $7USD 1.5 GB/day / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier Store |
Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Major | Good | Fair | $7USD 1.5 GB/day / 28 days | 1plan | Carrier StoreAirport |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$7
1.5 GB/day / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Plan | 2 GB/day | 899 INR | $11 | 28 days | Unlimited local |
| International Plan | 1.5 GB/day | 599 INR | $7 | 28 days | Unlimited local |
From
$7
1.5 GB/day / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Plan 2GB/day | 2 GB/day | 799 INR | $10 | 28 days | Unlimited local |
| Tourist Plan 1.5GB/day | 1.5 GB/day | 599 INR | $7 | 28 days | Unlimited local |
From
$7
1.5 GB/day / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 1.5GB/day | 1.5 GB/day | 599 INR | $7 | 28 days | Unlimited local |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Jio
International Plan
599 INR INR
Airtel
Tourist Plan 1.5GB/day
599 INR INR
Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Tourist 1.5GB/day
599 INR INR
Airtel
Tourist Plan 2GB/day
799 INR INR
Jio
Tourist Plan
899 INR INR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in India
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$7
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in India, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in India.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in India. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
India uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for India
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
India requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in India
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Passport photo
Step 3
Local reference (hotel address)
Step 4
Activation takes 24-48 hours
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Passport photo
Step 3
Local Indian address (hotel)
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Passport photo
Step 3
Local reference
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for India.